Courier-Journal reporter Joe Sonka has been leading the charge on a story regarding Governor Bevin’s use of the state plane. Sonka has repeatedly been inquiring about the purpose of some out-of-state trips the plane made. At first Bevin scoffed and refused to answer Sonka, because of his past experience as a liberal blogger. But now he has taken the stance that, if reimbursed, it’s not the public’s business where the plane went and why. (See story here.)
We at ITC would argue that the public definitely has a right to know where our governor is during working hours. We definitely do not want a repeat of the Mark Sanford “Appalachian Trail” debacle.
Governor Bevin has a history of being out-of-state frequently. For a while, he was shopping himself in DC circles and spent quite a bit of time there. Easy to claim that he was in the capital working on furthering Kentucky, but we know for a fact that he was inquiring about certain Trump administration positions for himself, as well as Lt. Governor Jenean Hampton. (He REALLY wanted rid of her.)
A couple of summers ago, he also spent the better part of two months in New England vacationing with his family. While that is an common tradition of the Northeast elite, it’s not typical among Kentuckians. But, as Governor and Mrs. Bevin were living separately at the time, we understand he thought the time away from the prying eyes of the Kentucky press would be good for their relationship.
Bevin also became the darling of the Koch Brothers, Republican Governors Association and some other conservative organizations who put him on the conference circuit. So there were multiple trips to Palm Springs, Scottsdale and other resort communities where he would stir up the financially faithful to keep the checks coming.
Kentucky governors, of both major political parties, have a history of making secretive trips. We are glad that they now feel the pressure to at least reimburse the state for the usage of the plane. However, it’s time they own up to the public about when and where they go. We deserve to know.
Inside The Connector 